Lighting, spacing, aisle width, officiant positioning — the stuff that quietly makes your ceremony look incredible.
Let’s be real: your ceremony is the heart of the day. It’s also the part that’s hardest to redo if something feels off (because unlike your reception entrances, you’re not doing vows twice… hopefully).
The good news? A few simple setup choices can make your ceremony look and sound way better in photos and film — without changing your vibe at all.
Here’s what matters most:
If your ceremony is outside, your #1 goal is avoiding harsh overhead sun or blinding backlight.
Late afternoon is your best friend. Softer light, warmer tones, fewer squinty faces.
Midday ceremonies need shade, even if it’s just partial shade. (Trees, building shadow, a tent, anything.)
Avoid putting yourselves directly in front of the sun. Backlit ceremonies can be gorgeous, but only if your media team plans for it — and if you’re not basically silhouettes.
Easy test: stand where you’ll be during vows and look toward your guests. If you’re squinting, your photos will show it.
Aisles that are too narrow make it harder for:
grandparents or anyone who needs extra space to walk well
wedding parties to enter smoothly
photo/video teams to shoot without being in your guests’ faces
Ideal aisle width: about 6 feet if possible.
That gives room for natural movement and clean angles.
If your arch / chuppah / floral installation is tight against a wall or bush line, your media team can’t get angles that show depth.
Try to leave:
3–5 feet behind you (for dimensional shots)
space on both sides (so your photographer and videographer can split coverage)
We love officiants. Truly. But if they’re standing directly between you two during vows, they’ll be in every single shot.
Ask them (nicely!) to:
step slightly to the side during rings + first kiss
move behind you for wide shots if possible
hold the mic low and steady (so your faces stay visible)
Most officiants are used to this request. They want your photos to be beautiful too.
Tall floral arrangements or giant candle clusters are stunning — but if they’re at waist/shoulder height right in front of you, they’ll hide your faces in the wide angles.
Pro tip: keep anything in the aisle or altar area lower than chest height, unless it’s behind you.
Your vows are only as emotional as people can hear them.
If you’re using a DJ system, ask for a primary speaker near the front.
If your ceremony is outdoors, wind + distance are real factors.
A small lapel mic on officiant or groom can save the day.
And yes — your videographer is thinking about this already. But it’s awesome when couples plan for it too.
Ceremony setups don’t need to be complicated — just intentional.
A little spacing and smart lighting give you a big payoff in the final film and gallery.